Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park is a state park located in Gonzales County, Texas, United States northwest of Gonzales and southeast of Luling. The land was acquired by deeds from private owners and the City of Gonzales in 1934–1936 and was opened in 1936. The park is named for the dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), which grows abundantly in the park.

Features
The San Marcos River runs through the park. The 4 acre Oxbow Lake, initially created by flood waters, is now independent of the river and is spring fed. The lake provides a place for swimming, angling, kayaking and paddleboarding. There are many bogs throughout the park that are surrounded by dense vegetation, giving the park a jungle-like atmosphere. Five miles of trails for hiking and biking exist within the park boundaries. There are tent sites, recreational vehicle sites and cabins for overnight stays.

The park was constructed by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Companies 873 and 886 between 1934 and 1937. The CCC built Park Road 11, a low water crossing on the San Marcos River, a water tower/storage building, refectory, and residence (currently the park headquarters), barbeque pits, picnic seating, rock pool and retention dams, rock table, culverts, concrete picnic tables, and two sets of entrance portals.

Flora
In addition to the dwarf palmetto, live oak, bur oak, honey mesquite, cedar elm, Mexican plum, Texas persimmon, red buckeye, anacua, rattan vine, Texas spiderwort, inland sea oats, trumpet creeper and poison ivy are prevalent in the park.

Fauna
White-tailed deer are common throughout the park, as are raccoons, nine-banded armadillos, and fox squirrels. Over 240 species of birds such as the pileated woodpecker, Kentucky warbler and northern cardinal have been recorded within the park's boundaries. Some of the birds often spotted include the prothonotary warbler, and red-shouldered hawk.